“We have to experience defeat with a sporting attitude. The Lecce fans showed great affection and understood the drama we were going through, as we gave our all and will probably get relegated.

“However, this club will not be Serie B grade. We changed the season, forcing many teams to fight to the very end for their safety. The first half of the campaign was bad and in these last few rounds we felt the fatigue of that fightback.”

Cosmi was still furious that their request to move the game to Sunday afternoon was rejected, so Genoa now play already knowing what result they need in Udine.

“Apart from the result, making us play today so soon after the midweek round showed little sensitivity. It was an ugly thing they did to Lecce, something incomprehensible.

“How come Juventus got their game moved to tomorrow evening? Why are we not playing tomorrow along with the other teams in the relegation battle.”